DEMAND PLANNER

Job Title

Demand Planner

Department

Supply Chain

Reports to

Supply Chain Manager

Classification

4

JOB SUMMARY

This position works closely with customers to effectively manage case ready meats delivery. Job involves logistics, procurement, inventory and accounting functions. Using their exceptional organization and communication skills, this person will be responsible for the gathering, validating, and interpretation of relevant data to maintain a valid and accurate demand schedule.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Manage direct contact with customers and customer requests.Manage inbound and outbound deliveries of case ready meat plant products for numerous plants. Successfully write and manage these orders including advertised features, parity priced items, bi-products, and weekly turn business. Receives orders from sales team and customers, checks for accuracy, commits to inventory, and promises delivery date based on availability of materials, customer needs and production schedules.Assist in managing inventory levels which are sufficient to customer demands while controlling costs.Help manage cost from suppliers to Procurement system to insure proper billing to stores.Manages proper inventory levels to support shelf lifer expectations and control product freshness.Responsible for communicating raw material forecast based on both scan projections and shipment reports.Manage demand exceptions related to out of compliance demand, forecast bias, and demand anomalies.Maximize accuracy of the demand schedule by analyzing historical projections vs. actualsSupport the Supply/Production planning through prioritizing inventory needs, new items forecasts, product phase out and special buildsEstablishes production plans and priorities based on customer requirements. Oversee logistics of customer/supplier demands.Oversee logistics from case ready facilities to division distribution centers to conclude when product is received.Track performance of supply chain and logistics KPIs (inventory turns, fill rates, days of inventory outstanding, planned costs vs actual costs, etc.)Maintain and update demand forecast datesUtilize Excel and other tools to conduct analysis for forecast availability and accuracyWork with cross functional teams to ensure that any activity affecting forecasts are accounted for in monthly projectionsCoordinates order changes in production scheduling and shipping. Resolves daily problems about material rejections and production changes due to equipment breakdowns.

QUALIFICATIONS

Excellent computer skills and ability to learn Kroger internal systems.Flexibility to work weekends (limited hours) on rotating basis.Must maintain a helpful and professional attitude and appearanceBachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or equivalent experiencePrior Telecommunications experience a plusA minimum of 3 years of experience supply chain, operations, or logisticsThe ability to communicate effectively with management on all levels and be customer-focusedExcellent attention to detail, problem solving and analytical thinkingAbility to multi-task, work well under pressure, work with a team and be flexible with work scheduleProficient in Microsoft Office, Excel and Access: A MUSTExperience with Materials Requirement Planning (MRP)Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tools

ACTIVITIES

Sedentary office work, sitting long.

HEARING

Must be able to hear average or normal conversations and receive ordinary information.

REPETITIVE MOTION

Must be able to frequently and regularly use wrists, hands, and or fingers.

VISUAL ABILITIES

Average, ordinary visual acuity necessary to prepare or inspect documents, products, or operate machinery.

PHYSICAL STRENGTH

Regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds throughout the day.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Most of the time is spent in an office setting outside of the production plant. The plant environment is wet, damp, and cold (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be load when in the production area.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The list of essential functions, other duties, mental visual ability, and physical demands, requirements and licenses is not meant to be exhaustive. Management reserves the right to revise job descriptions and to require other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job changes.